Apple is working on a combo Apple TV with HomePod speaker that will have a camera for video calls over a connected television set, according to Bloombergis Mark Gurman.
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From the report:
The company is working on a product that combines an Apple TV set-top box with a HomePod speaker and includes a camera for video conferencing via a connected TV and other smarthome features, according to people familiar with the issue who didn’t ask. be identified when discussing internal matters.
Other capabilities of the device include standard Apple TV box features such as watching video and gaming, plus the use of smart speakers, such as playing music and using Apple’s Siri digital assistant.
After disappointing sales, Apple discontinued its original high-end “HomePod” in March, leading many to question whether the company was working on a successor. The HomePod mini, launched last year, has become much more popular thanks to its lower price.
Apple last year united its tech teams for HomePod and Apple TV, suggesting that an integrated device with the best of both worlds could be in the offing.
However, according to today’s report, development of the product is still in its early stages and Apple could choose not to launch the product or change key features.
Apple is known to be working on an updated version of the Apple TV that will reportedly have a gaming focus with an updated remote, faster processor and greater storage capacity, although today’s report seems likely to point to another potential future product . Signs of the new Apple TV have been on iOS since January 2020, so we expect a new Apple TV launch in 2021.
Today’s report also notes that Apple is working on a concept for a future PHomePod design that involves an iPad connected via a robotic arm that could follow users across a room during video calls.